Kiss The Ground is a new Netflix documentary narrated by Woody Harrelson. The documentary is all about the importance of soil, and more specifically, how we can take care of the soil so the soil will take care of us. The documentary talks about the U.S.’s long history of destroying the soil and what we can do to fix it.

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After Wood Harrelson starts the narration, the film opens on Ray Archuleta, a certified soil scientist. Ray travels around the country and teaches farmers the importance of no-till farming practices. He talks about the importance of the soil, and more specifically, the importance of carbon-rich soil. Ray sets the scene for the film to talk about the importance of regenerative agriculture and the importance of giving back to the soil, as well as how to spread the message.

The documentary also touches on the importance of eating food to feed your gut and the importance of getting the good microbes from the soil into your gut. And of course, you really can’t talk about the damage done to the soil without mentioning pesticides and GMOs. It’s a vicious cycle, says Harrelson. “The more tilling that’s done the weaker the soil gets, and the more compelled farmers feel to use chemical sprays”.

Field corn, our most common crop in the U.S., is genetically modified and sprayed with glyphosate. Glyphosate is known to cause cancer and is so overused it’s found its way into our drinking water. Three pounds of toxic chemicals are sprayed per person onto or food, each year.

“A big reason these chemicals make us sick is because just as toxic chemicals kill the microbes in the soil, they kill the microbes in our bodies.”

Kiss The Ground

Related: How To Heal Your Gut 

As is pointed out in the documentary, our topsoil in its current condition has about 60 harvests left, and if that doesn’t terrify you, then you’re not paying enough attention. After going through the history of the damage we’ve done, the documentary establishes an important message: It’s not too late. They dive into regenerative practices that feed the earth, sustainable farming, the importance of cover crops, the importance of composting, and so much more.

From the damage done by the Dust Bowl to the German Scientist who originally invented pesticides, to the importance of the bacteria in our soil, I’d say the documentary does a pretty good job of covering the history of soil degradation and informing viewers as to why it’s so important that we fix this problem.

Even you’re pretty well versed with our current environmental crisis, this documentary is still worth a watch. The documentary covers a lot of ground (no pun intended). The way the film covers the importance of taking care of the Earth with how it relates to taking care of our own bodies is something that is not often seen in more mainstream content. I couldn’t even begin to cover all the important points made in the documentary in one review. The film reminded us of how important it is that we keep working to achieve a better, cleaner Earth.

Kiss The Ground is available on Netflix. If the film or even this article has inspired you to learn more about what you can to do help, from a health perspective, we recommend eating as clean as possible. By focusing on gut health, and eating an organic, diverse diet, you can do more than just improve your own health, you can improve the health of the Earth.

The new Michael Moore documentary has sparked quite a bit of media outrage over the past week. People are outraged that the film seemingly pointed towards population control as the solution to climate change. Additionally, people have pointed out that the documentary uses outdated methods of renewable energy to falsely claim that renewable energy will not fix the climate problem. I find that whenever content strikes this much controversy and makes this many people angry, they probably have some interesting points. More often than not, the content that enrages people the most is the content that forces us to examine hard truths that we were not ready to face. 

Upon listening to media coverage about the documentary I was under the impression that the documentary was about climate change and the fact that renewable energies are not going to save us. I believe this is a pessimistic media narrative painted by neo-liberals who are outraged over the idea that to make real change happen, we may have to change our lifestyles. 

In order to truly save the planet, as pointed out in the film, we need to radically consume less on a global scale.  This is perfectly displayed early on in the film when General Motors releases a new line of electric vehicles. But what charges the vehicles? How green is it? The source of power is from a Lansing power plant that uses 95% coal. Many people do not want to make radical changes in their lifestyle. They want to feel as though they’re making a difference, earning a pat on the back, while they continue to maintain the same lifestyle. 

In reality, the film is about the harsh truth that like many things in life, corporate greed has taken over our mission for renewable energy for their own personal profits. The film touches on the fact that our mission for renewable energy is a hopeless attempt to save our lifestyles, not our Earth.

While watching the film, I learned more about how deep the corporate greed runs. Often times these solar and wind plants are being funded by the same companies responsible for the fossil fuel industry. It was another reminder that billionaires will follow the money, and that morality plays no part in their decisions. Even the Koch brothers have their own line of solar products, profiting from supposedly making the world a better place.

How can men destroy what is left of nature to enrich themselves? Well, that’s why they’re billionaires and you’re not.

– Planet of the Humans

In 2011, forests were destroyed to make room for “green” wind turbines. In this one instance, 134 acres of forest were destroyed, and then, in 10 to 20 years when the wind turbines stopped working, they’re sent to landfills. This is just one of the examples highlighted that shows how renewable energy is not as green as we think it is, especially when the motive is money.

Who am I to judge you for being outraged? Maybe you’re a white upper-middle-class citizen trying your best to stay in touch while not really being able to relate to struggles of the marginalized community. Your options are to either move out of your comfort zone to try and actually make a difference or maintain the status quo while making marginal changes that don’t really have a lasting impact but make you feel very good inside.  I would imagine that if you’re comfortable with your life, economically and socially speaking, it would be extremely disconcerting for someone to tell you that the only way to continue to survive is to completely change the way we consume, the way we live. 

It is for this reason, I believe, that so many are outraged by this documentary. Not because the film mentions population control, not because the film points out the problems with renewable energy, but because the film forces you to confront the cold reality that the only option is a comprehensive change to everyone’s lifestyle on a global scale. 

I highly recommend watching the full documentary if you have the time. You can watch the full documentary here: Planet of the Humans

All facts can be fact-checked on Planet of the Humans website.

My wife and I sleep on a king size Zinus Responsive Memory Foam Mattress. It was cheap. After nearly one year the mattress has held up pretty well for the price we paid, a very reasonable $237.15. Today’s price is $374.99 at the time of this writing. It’s got a little bit of a ridge in the middle, a little bit of a dip on my side from supporting my 225-pound frame, with a much smaller dip on my wife’s side.

When we first got the mattress I noticed the smell. It wasn’t bad, but it did smell a little bit like chemicals. It could have been worse, but it certainly isn’t what I would call a healthy mattress.

I’m not complaining mind you. It was a great deal, and I think it’s going to last at least another two years before the dips become too deep. It’s certainly not a ten-year mattress, at my size, but I think most lighter humans would be very happy with such a purchase.

Our kids slept on a very old full-size mattress that we got for free. I won’t say how; let me just say that we cleaned it well, and it was old enough that it had done its off-gassing long ago. But the springs were starting to poke out, and our kids deserve better.

I wanted to get them a good mattress. I didn’t want to get them a new mattress made with all the toxic components that mattresses were made from, but we couldn’t afford the ones we have on Green Lifestyle Market. Yes, I own the store, but still, they’re expensive. They’re amazing, and we’ve had nothing but very happy customers, but we’re not well off. A full-size latex mattress at full price would be $2,602.00.

When I got an email from Patrick Gunther, Latex For Less Marketing Director, asking us if we’d like to try out a mattress, and keep it free of charge, I jumped at the chance. When he asked me what size I wanted, I must admit I tried really hard to justify giving the kids our mattress and ordering a new king for ourselves. As I pondered this possibility that night the dip in my mattress felt more like a ravine. But in the end, I decided to do the right thing. The king wouldn’t have even fit in our kids’ room. I ordered the full size.

We got the Latex For Less mattress. When the mattress arrived, it was in a huge box much like how our previous foam mattress had arrived, but with one massive difference. This thing was heavy! It took me a lot of effort getting it up the stairs! It’s a two person job for most. But even better than our foam mattress, when released from its cocoon it took perfect shape in moments as if it had never been wrapped as it were. And so I laid down. I kid you not, this is the nicest mattress I have ever laid down on. And I have tried a lot, including a latex one.

No odor. Perfect support. High-quality construction. It really is a great mattress. Normally my wife and I have very different taste in mattresses and what constitutes the right amount of give. But with this mattress, it feels like it supports me the exact right amount, and my two kids and my wife feel the same.

I take naps now.

In an effort to give a fair review, I took a nap in my kids’ room. I slept a little too well. And I am struggling not to make a habit out of it. I’m a busy guy, but that mattress calls to me!

The mattresses are made with 100% natural latex, 100% organic cotton, and 100% pure natural wool. They are made in America and they are affordably priced. At a little over a grand, my wife and I are saving for our own king-sized.

Our 100% all-natural latex mattress is 100% natural, botanical latex that is sustainably harvested from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree. It contains no chemicals and provides a buoyant, cloud-like sensation for the ultimate sleep experience.

They are made in America, and the mattress is reversible, “medium on one side and medium-firm on the other side.” We picked the firm side.

Flame retardants are a big problem with the mattress industry, but this company uses wool, a natural flame retardant, for the fire barrier. They offer a 120 day trial,

Unwind after a long day at work, or sleep in late on a lazy Saturday morning – enjoy full 90 days to experience the unsurpassed comfort of all-natural latex. And if you don’t absolutely love your Latex For Less mattress, we’ll pick it up and give you a full refund – no hassles.

I asked about the wool, and they said “Our 100% pure natural wool comes from the Woolgatherer Carding Mill in sunny California.

Woolgatherer follows wool through every stage from the pastures to the finished product. Their staff is meticulous about creating the best product possible and following industry-leading principles for sustainability and quality. In addition, they use high standards for purity and manage their flocks in a humane, chemical-free, and environmentally safe manner.

I will look into getting these mattresses in Green Lifestyle Market. In the meantime, check out Latex For Less.

There are more reasons than ever to filter tap water for drinking and cooking. Tap water is commonly contaminated with heavy metals, chemicals, and radioactive elements. Toxic water has been found in many cities across the U.S., from the Flint crisis to many communities who may not even know hazards in their water. The utility companies are doing a lot of shady business to hide this information from the consumers for the sake of saving their pockets. Luckily, it is possible to take the situation into your own hands by filtering your water at home. With so many water filters out there, the only next step is choosing the right one. Expert information such as from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) can help you make the right decision for you.

Contaminants that Hide In Tap Water

When it comes to hazards in tap water, there are different contaminants to be aware of.

Recommended: Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included

Fluoride: Fluoride is a toxic substance that has been added to public water supplies since 1945, and became a nationwide phenomenon in the 1960s when society was tricked to believe that it helps prevent cavities in teeth. While there is a very small benefit to applying fluoride straight on the teeth, it is a very health-damaging substance. Worst of all, drinking it has no benefits to teeth. (When comparing decay rates for fluoridated and non-fluoridated countries, the results are similar).

The harm, however, is significant. Fluoride is toxic in any amounts, and it is impossible to predict the dose of it a person is receiving on a daily basis when drinking unfiltered tap water. Fluoride causes arthritis-like symptoms. It is toxic to the brain, and it may increase the risk of cancer, especially bone tumors, and lung, and bladder cancers.

Another chemical that is added to tap water on purpose is chlorine. Because it is used as a cleaner, it is added to water to “purify” it. However, it is not fully safe. It can react with water and produce toxic hydrochloric acid which causes cell damage, memory problems, and can even impair balance.

Heavy Metals: Since the Flint Crisis, this type of contaminant has been the most commonly discussed. Lead and other heavy metals can leach into the water from old pipes.

Lead, the element that poisoned Flint children, is one of the worst. It is a neurotoxin and also toxic to nearly every single organ in the human body. Lead poisoning, as well as chronic low-levels of lead exposure, can lead to developmental and behavioral issues in children, as well as brain damage at high doses. It has also been linked to cancers, kidney and heart problems, and reproductive issues.

Mercury is another extremely toxic heavy metal that is not safe at any dose. It can also cause brain damage, as well a nerve damage and cognitive disability. The many symptoms it causes include headaches, fatigue, memory problems, rashes, and mood swings.

Radioactive elements: It was recently found that 170 million U.S. people access tap water that is contaminated by carcinogenic radioactive elements. These elements come from inside the Earth when mining for gas and oil. Because they create ionizing radiation, this leads to cancers, birth defects, and even dysfunctional brain development. Elements such as radium 226, radium-228, radon, uranium, tritium, and strontium-90 increase chances of cancer even at legal limits. However, all of them are found at higher than allowed levels across the U.S. The highest number of people affected are in California, Texas, and Florida, but other states are not far behind.

Other chemicals: Many other chemicals end up in our drinking water supplies from the manufacturing industry; big corporations poisoning the environment. In one case, not that far from Flint, Michigan, an auto part manufacturing left a giant toxic plume over 50 years ago. Today, the pollution in the groundwater is still growing and affecting more households by contaminating water with a known carcinogen called trichloroethylene (TCE).

Recommended: The Best Water For Detoxifying and Drinking

Other factories left behind polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); chemicals that were used in paints and electronics until their ban in 1979. Still today, they are found in tap water as far as thousands of miles away from their main source – where they lay in landfills. PCBs are also linked to cancer risk, as well as are hazardous for the immune and nervous systems.

Although arsenic can exist from natural sources, is often used artificially by the industrial companies. Long-term arsenic poisoning is linked to cancers of skin, lungs, and bladder; and severe abdominal issues.

Other chemicals that end up in water from different toxic industries are dioxins (released when burning waste), DDT (banned insecticide), HCB (banned pesticide), dacthal (herbicide still used today), and MtBE (a gasoline additive).

What About Bottled Water?

A lot of bottled water companies take the same tap water that you have access to, filter it, and re-sell it for way more of a price (hundreds of times more expensive). They often do a bad job filtering the water. If it’s not just filtered tap water, it’s coming from companies like Nestle damaging local environment and putting local populations at risk.

Related: Drinking Bottled Water Means Drinking Microplastics, According To Damning New Study

The second, much bigger issue, with bottled water, is that other chemicals may leach from the plastic into the water. This is especially true when the bottle is left in the sun during hot weather. The chemical often found in plastics is BPA – which acts like a hormone and disrupts many functions in the body. However, even buying BPA-free is not enough. Manufacturers substitute BPA with other chemicals…that also act like hormones! A study in Environmental Health Perspectives found that over 95% of products in BPA-free plastics tested positive for these chemicals when exposed to natural sunlight.

In the end, the safest thing to do is to purchase a glass bottle and fill it with water you filtered yourself at home.

A Detailed Guide to Water Filters

To bring some clarity to choosing the right water filter for you, EWG released a buying guide. To help you choose, here are the different types of filters available, which technology they use and how it works.

First, it is important to note that the most common brand available at supermarket chains, Brita, does not filter out fluoride. The best of the filters are not usually sold at major stores and are found online.

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These filtering systems can come in forms of water pitchers, countertop faucets, under-the-sink systems, and whole-house filtration. Whenever possible, a whole house system is the best choice for health, so that there are no chemicals absorbed through the skin when showering or washing hands at different sinks in the house.

From there, you should choose which filtering technology you prefer (some use multiple) instead of focusing on the brand name itself. Each technology can also vary in quality and how well it removes every contaminant.

Carbon or activated carbon filters: Carbon removes contaminants from the water by bonding with them on a chemical level. . Some remove only chlorine, but unable to clear out the other toxins, leaving heavy metals and chemicals behind.

These filters can use a carbon block, a fibredyne block, or granulated activated carbon. The first two are more effective in general, but the second type is best at removing sediments.

On the plus side, carbon filters serve for a long time without needing replacement.

Related: Activated Charcoal is Very Popular Right Now – Here’s Why

Ceramic and mechanical water filters: Ceramic filters and mechanical filters block sediments by using tiny holes but they let all the contaminants pass. They do not remove chemicals.

Deionizing filters: These filters work through an ion-exchange process; it removes mineral salts and electrically-charged molecules from the water, but leave behind non-ionic contaminants including toxic VOCs.

Ion exchange water filter: This process replaces ions using a resin. For example, water softening removes calcium and magnesium and adds sodium.

Ozone and Ultraviolet filters: Both ozone and ultraviolet light kill bacteria and microorganisms, but do not remove chemicals.

Reverse osmosis filters: Reverse osmosis blocks any particles that are larger than the molecule of water, therefore blocking: fluoride, arsenic, and nitrates. However, it cannot block chlorine or VOCs. The other setback of this filter is that it uses a lot of water – not the best pick for the environment. This method also ends up being pricey.

Solar-powered water filters: These filters use natural solar energy to purify the water and are a good investment for camping and other outdoor activities.

Distilled water filter: Distillation heats water until vaporization happens, then condenses it back into liquid form. Distillation removes minerals, bacteria, and viruses, but not chlorine or chemicals.

Related: Symptoms of Dehydration & Benefits of Proper Hydration – Are you getting enough water?

The main advantage of distilled water is that it removes the most amounts of toxins, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, and radioactive elements.

One concern some people have is that distilled water is acidic. However, if you do not let the water stay in the jug too long before drinking it, the acidity level will be lower. Also, if you take care of your digestive tract, it will also not affect anything – the body will be able to take care of it.

The Newest Player on the Market: Structured Water Filters

This type of filtration system is new, or not yet fully known, but it may become the best choice in the future.

Dr. Gerald Pollack discovered the fourth phase of water – also called structured water, living water, or exclusive zone (EZ) water. This type of water brings the water to its original state as if it came straight from a spring; it hydrates the body better and is healthier in every way.

Editor’s Comment:

I like the Berkey the best. We hope to have these on Green Lifestyle Market soon, but at this time we do not sell any water filters at all.

At my house, we have a Berkey with the fluoride-filter attachments, and we also have an AquaTru Water Filter. I like this one, and I think it does an excellent job, but Berkey water tastes better. You can taste the plastic with everything else when you do a side by side comparison. I’ve used Zero, Britta, and Pure pitcher filters as well. Zero was the best pitcher filter. Using this meter to check PPMs, both filters bring tap water down to zero.

Must Read:

• What’s the Best Water for Detoxifying and For Drinking?
• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included
• Inexpensive, Easy Detox – The One Gallon Challenge

Sources:

• 12 Toxins in Your Drinking Water – The Global Healing Center
• 170 Million In U.S. Drink Radioactive Tap Water. Trump Nominee Faked Data To Hide Cancer Risk – Environmental Working Group
• Study: Most Plastics Leach Hormone-Like Chemicals – NPR
• EWG’s Updated Water Filter Buying Guide – Environmental Working Group

Mother Earth Organic Root Cider is a blend of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar, lemons, turmeric root, ginger root, horseradish root, garlic, beets, white onion, habanero peppers, and Serrano peppers (in order of prevalence). All of these whole food ingredients are GMO free, certified 100% organic, and raw. It’s also clear that the quality of ingredients is of paramount importance to Mark Welch, creator of the cider and owner of Barrier Island Organics.

The cider is not pasteurized. This had me curious, and Mark explained that the process they have implemented is a newly FDA-approved process that kills the pathogens.

When the cider is being made they add 9 pounds of vegetables for every 9 pints of vinegar. The process then calls for the mixture to sit at 50 degrees or above for 12 days before it is bottled. Then it must sit 6 days at 50 degrees or above before it can be shipped out. [This] ensures that all pathogens are killed. The PH must fall into certain parameters in both parts of the process. It’s the acidity that kills the pathogens, but what’s interesting is that the drink actually alkalinizes the body. The bottom line is because of this special process, the pathogens are dead, and the ingredients are never heated or pasteurized.”

I’m honestly more excited about this than I have been about a new product for a long time. I’m sipping on this cider every single day. This tonic will help the body’s detoxification processes, strengthen the immune system, reset gut flora, reduce inflammation, and so much more.

Everything in it is stuff we could all use more of. And it is highly concentrated.

We have a similar product called Shillington’s Total Tonic. It’s a decent product, but one I’ve never really pushed much because it’s expensive and I felt it was not as potent as it could be. Tasting the two side by side is a world of difference. And of course, you feel the difference too.

The cider has a 3-year shelf life but will likely last much longer than that, and you don’t need to refrigerate it. Use it as a daily tonic to help the body with all its functions, and take a bit more if you feel a cold, allergies, aches, or a headache starting. It’s the first thing I take in the morning, just a sip to wake me up. Depending on the cause, it may also eliminate stomachaches (though it could cause one too), and it can knock out a migraine.

My only complaint is I wish it contained cilantro. Shillington’s formula has it, and cilantro would be a great addition to really strengthen the chelating properties of the tonic, but Mark says, “Ugh, I hate cilantro. Maybe later.” In the meantime, I just keep throwing cilantro on my salads, and I do a shot of this Organic Cider with every meal.

Related Products:

• Mother Earth Organic Root Cider • 32 oz – Barrier Island Organics
• Shillington’s Total Tonic

Recommended Reading:

• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included
• Garlic – The Most Amazing Herb On The Planet
• How To Use Turmeric To Kill Cancer
• Cayenne and Capsaicin, Natures Miracle Medicine
• The Amazing Herbal Power of Ginger

When we learn about scientists and their discoveries, we know nothing about them as people. We have no idea how they treat their peers, whether they grandstand, undercut their competition, throw their weight around, or honor the ethics of their profession.

In her book Plague, One Scientist’s Intrepid Search for the Truth about Human Viruses and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Autism, and Other Diseases, (co-written by Kent Heckenlively, JD), Judy Mikovits PhD, pulls back the curtain and reveals the underbelly of the scientific community and how it closes ranks to protect corporate interests. When Mikovits’ made a discovery that threatened the system and the financial fabric that holds it together, her stellar career exploded. Efforts to discredit her included her being fired, arrested, and publically discredited.

At the time this fiasco came to pass, Judy Mikovits was a molecular biologist and biochemist with more than 30 years experience. She had authored approximately 50 publications. Her original professional focus was HIV and AIDS, but she had learned that there were many similarities between AIDS and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS).

ME is a horrific disease, one that has been systematically minimalized by the healthcare system in the United States. It was named chronic fatigue syndrome by the CDC, though the name sounds much less serious than myalgic encephalomyelitis, the term used in Britain and elsewhere throughout much of the world. The medical community further diminished its seriousness by nicknaming it the yuppie flu. Doctors routinely dismissed patients’ suffering, labeling it as malingering or hypochondria, because they were told the disease was not real. But to many, ME is a devastating, life-altering disease.

As stated in Plague, “Patients suffer from a devastating cascade of symptoms rendering them ghosts of the people they once were; more than half become completely disabled, a quarter permanently bed-bound. Recovery is rare. Morbidity studies have demonstrated that ME patients are as ill as end-stage AIDS sufferers, advanced cancer patients, and people dying from congestive heart failure.”

The inconvenient truth Mikovits discovered as she delved into a thorough study of ME and its patients was “pervasive evidence” that a gammaretrovirus, XMRV, was present in 70% of ME patients and 4% of healthy controls. This retrovirus, a murine leukemia virus found in mice, had somehow jumped species. Mikovits presented evidence that this retrovirus was associated with ME, specific cancers, and autism. Her data indication that 10 million Americans were infected with this latent virus (though asymptomatic) and that the vehicle that infected so much of the population was vaccines. Once she made the association between vaccines and autism, her career was over.

Plague, One Scientist’s Intrepid Search for the Truth about Human Viruses and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Autism, and Other Diseases is a highly informative read. It sounds horrible to say that the book is entertaining considering the subject matter, perhaps gripping and intriguing are better terms. This look into the personalities and politics of the scientific medical  community is in and of itself an eye-opening, worthy read. The information on the handling of chronic fatigue syndrome and the similar approach to the autism epidemic is vital information. The link with vaccines is world changing. We highly recommend the book.

Plague, One Scientist’s Intrepid Search for the Truth about Human Viruses and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Autism, and Other Diseases can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and IndieBound.

Related Reading:

• Vaccines, Retroviruses, DNA, and the Discovery That Destroyed Judy Mikovits’ Career
• Why Vaccines Do Not “Cause” Autism
• How To Detoxify and Heal From Vaccinations – For Adults and Children
• Doctors Against Vaccines – Hear From Those Who Have Done the Research
• Nurses Against Vaccines
• Celebrities Who Have Spoken Out Against Vaccines
• Statesmen Against Mandatory Vaccines
• Scientists Against Vaccines – Hear From Those Who Have Done the Research

There are very few packaged, process foods that I will eat. I’m not one to frequent the “health food” section where all the snack foods without HFCS are shelved. You’ll find me in the produce section. That’s after I’ve been to the farmer’s market and foraged, of course.

I used to love a good “nutrition” bar, though. I remember when I thought Power Bars were healthy. Then I went through a Cliff Bar phase for a couple of years. It took a while (baby steps), but I eventually realized that prepared foods made by companies did not make me feel good. Learning about health and wellness taught me why they aren’t good for us; the main reason is they’re loaded with sugar!

Of all the bars I’ve known, I couldn’t think of one that I would consider “healthy.” Healthier, as in far healthier than your conventional energy bars maybe, but not actually “healthy.” Not until now.

Josh Eichel emailed me and asked me to check out his new energy bars. I had just finished doing squats, and I was hungry for something fast and easy. Josh couldn’t teleport me one of his energy bars, and he used way too many exclamation points in his email (you know how those fitness dudes are, right?), but I was interested in food bars at that moment because I felt a twinge of nostalgia for the old days when I would do a heavy set of weight lifting followed by 5 or  6 energy bars.

Although I said yes, I was sure I was going to see the ingredient list and take a pass. I was wrong.

Josh, currently a student at Northeastern University in Boston, started his business, All In Nutrition, in April 2015. Like me, Josh wasn’t pleased with the unhealthy products sold as nutrition bars and energy bars. He wanted an energy bar that wasn’t sugar-laden junk food. Instead of doing the sensible thing (stop eating them or just make your own) he started his business. Take a look at the ingredients:

Wicked Dark Chocolate Cayenne Energy Bars

• GMO-Free, Grass Fed Whey Protein from New Zealand
• Sunflower Seed Butter
• Organic Dates
• Organic Cacao Chocolate Chips, Organic Cacao Nibs
• Organic Cocoa
• Gluten-Free Whey Protein Crisps
• Sunflower Seeds
• Coffee
• Green Tea
• Chile Powder and Cayenne Pepper
• Binding agents are Organic Vegetable Glycerin and GMO-Free Prebiotic Fiber

Wicked Maple Energy Bars

• Vermont Maple
• GMO-Free, Grass Fed Whey Protein from New Zealand
• Organic Cashew Butter
• Organic Dates
• Gluten Free Whey Protein Crisps
• Almonds
• Three seed blend of Chia seeds, Flax seeds, and Pumpkin seeds
• Goji Berries
• Coffee
• Green Tea
• Chlorella
• Spirulina
• Stevia
• Binding agents are Organic Vegetable Glycerin and GMO-Free Prebiotic Fiber

The ingredients list is pretty impressive. I asked for a sample and received two bars a few days later. After I ate them,  I was sad. I was sad because he didn’t send me more than two.

Are these Maple and Chocolate Wicked Energy Bars Good For You?

Many people view energy bars as a nutritious meal replacement. For a health nut like me who lives off of salads, makes super healthy smoothies for desert, soaks and sprouts nuts, and doesn’t generally eat chocolate unless it’s raw, these bars are a treat. In fact, they’re a well-deserved treat after a good workout routine, but they aren’t a replacement for a healthy meal. As store bought energy bars go, it doesn’t get much better, but I do have a couple of nitpicks.

Cooking chia and flax eliminates health benefits. Ideally, the seeds and nuts should be sprouted, most or all ingredients should be raw, and though stevia is doing much of the sweetening, the dates and maple syrup do contain too much sugar for anyone who is battling a health issue.

On the other hand, the whey protein in Wicked Energy Bars is the best whey protein I know of, all of the ingredients are fantastic, the taste of both bars is really very good, and most importantly, my body felt good eating one after a workout.

I like them so much, I am adding them to Green Lifestyle Market. We’ll either sell them or I’ll eat them. Either one is fine with me.